The Effect of Socioeconomic Classes on the Subjective Perception of Economic Situation

Abstract The paper deals with the influence of a consumer´s inclusion in a socioeconomic class on the rate of optimism or pessimism in anticipating the future, with regard to the consumer behaviour, the attitudes towards finances, savings, working efforts and lifestyle. The data are based on a large-scale research carried out with a representative sample of the Czech population in the latter half of 2014. The regression statistical analysis was used for calculating and explaining the variables. The outcomes show that people are more optimistic in foreseeing their own future than the future of the Czech Republic. As for the consumer behaviour and financial attitudes, the differences between the classes are not prominent. There are, however, differences in such issues as the fear of poverty or finding suitable jobs.